Family

Other Names

Habitat

In India plant is found in the northwestern regions like Kashmir and Punjab and in area of south India. In western countries is now a days cultivated with the name endive. It is cultivated in completely black outed area to make leaf soft and pale in appearance. This plant has it origin in Europe and now has spread all over world.

Morphology

It is a bushy perennial plant that attains a height of 1 to 3 feet. The stem has edges having hard branches. Leaves are sphere shaped having a bitter taste. Flowers are of blue of lavender color having a diameter of 1 to 1 ½ inch, which is bit thicker at the center. Fruit is angular, having light color. Root is like a tail of a cow and is fleshy having brownish color from outside and white color from inside. It has a length of 2 ½ feet and has a bitter taste. The other related species that is cultivates is Cichorium endivia. It is generally found in cultivated lands and gardens.

Chemical Constituents

Their seed contains oil. Roots has sticky substance which is about 7.5 %, glucose 1.1 %, bitter substance 4 %, fat 0.6 %, cellulose, insulin and resins etc. ash contains more of potassium. It also contains colorless potassium glycosides, cichorin and lactucina and intybin. There is very peculiar smell when the root is roasted and is very often used as coffee.

Pharmacology

It is kapha and pitta suppressant. It is relaxant and induces sleep. It acts as pain reliever and anti inflammatory agent. It works as appetizer, liver stimulant and increases digestive powers. It acts as blood purifier and provides strength to heart. It is a diuretic. Its roots reduce menstrual disturbances. It has good effect in lowering down the burning sensations in the body. It also helps in lowering the blood pressure. It decreases the raised body temperature in fevers.

Uses

Paste - paste made out of it leaves and a root is very effective in reducing the burning sensations in the particular area and in fever of high grade. It is also applied on the forehead as it induces sleep.

Powder- the powder made out of the leaves and roots is very effective in treating indigestion, liver disorders and dehydration. Powder made out of seeds also helps in relaxation of the mind thus effective in decreasing anxiety and also it induces sleep. It also improves general health condition of the body. It is also helpful in conditions of arthritis and especially like gouty arthritis. It also reduces pains and is very often taken in headaches

Decoction - it is very effective in treating the blood related problems and heart aliments. It improves blood circulation in the body and also strengthens heart muscles. It also improves the menstrual related problems of females and initiates easy flow.